While CBD products are legal throughout the United States, the laws navigating CBD legality in Ohio can be confusing to navigate. According to the State of Ohio Board of Pharmacy, changes made to Ohio law (Senate Bill 57) details remove hemp and hemp products containing no more than three-tenths of a percent THC from the state’s definition of marijuana. The law now defines hemp as, “The plant Cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant, including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, salts of isomers, whether growing or not, with a delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0.3% on a dry weight basis.” While this makes it completely legal to possess, buy, or sell hemp-derived CBD, it is still illegal to possess, buy, or sell CBD derived from marijuana according to the Controlled Substances Act. This comprehensive article delves into the Ohio CBD policy and state law compliance.

Federal Versus State CBD Laws

More and more people are looking to natural alternatives to alleviate pain symptoms and provide relief. CBD has gained a lot of traction lately due to its therapeutic claims. Research shows that hemp-derived CBD products may help to treat issues such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. It has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and neuroprotective properties. The Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, more commonly referred to as the Farm Bill, made the production and distribution of CBD products legal under federal law as long as the concentration of THC does not exceed 0.3%. However, the Ohio State Department of Agriculture has the ability to create its own CBD regulations to submit for federal approval.

CBD Oil Versus CBD Flower Legality in Ohio

As long as the hemp product contains 0.3% or less tetrahydrocannabinol it is legal to buy, sell, or possess any amount of the product. Hemp buds, hemp cigarettes, hemp pre-rolls, and hemp cigars are all considered legal forms of CBD. Hemp oil, on the other hand, has specific regulations meant to distinguish it from CBD oil sourced from THC. THC-derived CBD oil remains illegal under Ohio law.

Can I buy CBD oil in Ohio online?

Yes, you can buy CBD oil online in Ohio, as long as the CBD is derived from hemp and contains no more than 0.3% THC. Ohio law permits the sale of hemp-derived CBD products, and there are no state-wide age restrictions for purchasing CBD. However, consumers should ensure that online retailers adhere to Ohio’s CBD regulations and it’s recommended to purchase from reputable sources to guarantee product quality and legal compliance. Mission Farms CBD is a great place to buy CBD Oils, CBD Mints, CBD Gel, CBD Gummies, etc.

Are There Any Restrictions on the Use of CBD for Medical Purposes in Ohio?

Ohio House Bill 523 gives the ability for physicians to prescribe a medical marijuana program, including both marijuana-derived and hemp-derived CBD oil and products for a variety of medical conditions. The State Medical Board of Ohio requires doctors to apply for certificates of recommendation. Common conditions include:

• Alzheimer’s Disease
  
• Cancer
  
• Epilepsy
  
• Glaucoma
  
• Fibromyalgia
  
• Multiple Sclerosis
  
• Parkinson’s Disease
  
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

How Does the Ohio Department of Agriculture Regulate CBD and Hemp Products?

According to the Ohio Department of Agriculture Regulations, all hemp processors must be inspected and licensed by the Department in order to obtain legal status. However, universities processing hemp for research purposes do not have to have a hemp processing license. Likewise, subordinate employees and direct family members of licensed processors don’t have to have their own processing license if they are acting under the instructions of the licensed processor. According to industrial hemp guidelines, hemp processors must correctly label all of their products with the specific cannabis plant classifications before distribution. While State Bill 57 doesn’t specify possession or age limits to carry, buy, or sell CBD products in Ohio, most dispensaries set their own age limit to 18 years old. While CBD products generally do not show up on a drug test, they may contain trace THC amounts that are traceable.

The Future of CBD in Ohio

The United States, as a whole, has seen major reform of cannabis laws within the last decade. Ohio continues to see major reform to both CBD and THC laws. As of November 9, 2023, Ohio became the 24^th state to legalize recreational marijuana. Sales tax from the purchase of marijuana products will be used to support a social equity and jobs program, municipalities with dispensaries, a substance abuse fund, and administrative costs. What does this mean for the future of CBD products to Ohio residents? Hemp-derived CBD oil will remain legal to buy, sell, and possess throughout the state. While the Ohio Revised Code (R.C.) Section 3780 will go into effect on December 7, 2023, regulations must still be established to define the law and interpret Ohio’s legislative process more clearly. As of now, CBD oil and other products derived from tetrahydrocannabinol remain illegal to buy, sell, or possess until these details are figured out. The full legalization of THC-derived CBD products may take several months.

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1. Section 3780.29 – Ohio Revised Code | Ohio Laws. (n.d.). https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-3780.29
2. Senate Bill 57 | 134th General Assembly | Ohio Legislature. (n.d.). https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/134/sb57
3. House Bill 523 | 131st General Assembly | Ohio Legislature. (n.d.). https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/131/hb523
4. USDA ERS – Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018: Highlights and implications. (n.d.). https://www.ers.usda.gov/agriculture-improvement-act-of-2018-highlights-and-implications/